For those who love gaming, getting a degree in Video Game Design makes a lot of sense. There is nothing better than being able to make a career out of something you love doing. So, if this field interests you, now is a very good time to set foot in it.
To that end, what degree do you need for Video Game Design? There are really good options available in different American colleges. In this piece, you will get to know about some of them and evaluate if they are the right fit for you.
With regard to future career prospects, becoming a software developer is an excellent idea. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 21% job growth in the field between 2018 and 2028. This translates to more than 284,000 new employment opportunities. Keep reading this informative guide to know about the best Video Game Design degrees and career paths.
What Is Video Game Design?
In recent times, Video Game Design has been one of the most steadily growing fields in IT. It can be simply referred to as the process of creating the content, structure, and rules of a video game. The conceptualization of any new game (or the upgrade of an existing one) usually involves devising the gameplay, creating storylines, and designing the characters/environment/background/sound effects, etc.
What Can You Do With a Video Game Design Degree?
Following the completion of your degree in Video Game Design, you can pursue employment in various areas. Popular professions include Graphic Designer, Game Developer, Background Artist, Illustrator, Multimedia Artist and Animator, Software Developer, Programming Specialist, 2D, and 3D Conceptual Artist, Visual Communications Specialist, Sound Technician/Engineer, Creative Director, Quality Assurance Tester, etc.
The following section contains information on salary and job outlook for some of these occupations. All the data has been gathered from the public records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Software Developers and Quality Assurance Testers
Software Developers create various computer programs that we use on a regular basis. They design the systems that help run our computers and other devices while also creating the applications that people utilize for specific purposes
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $107,510 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 21% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $111,620 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 249,620 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $134,370 |
Multimedia Artists and Animators
Multimedia Artists and Animators are specialists in making 2D and 3D models. They also design the visual effects and images that people enjoy in movies, television shows, video games, etc.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $75,270 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 4% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $84,780 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 11,910 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Connecticut | $105,770 |
Graphic Designers
Graphic Designers come up with stunning visuals and ideas (using both free-hand techniques and computer software) aimed at inspiring, informing, and captivating the audience/customers. The colorful and aesthetically appealing magazine covers, brochures, and advertisements that we see around us are the work of graphic designers.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $52,110 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 3% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $56,510 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 29,060 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $79,450 |
What to Expect from a Video Game Design Degree?
A degree in Video Game Design will teach you about 2D and 3D Modeling, Software Development, Graphic Designing, Software Testing and Analysis, Interface Designing, Background, and Environment Mapping, Sound Effect Development, Data Structures, Visual Communications, Motion Graphics, Programming, Animations, Gaming Content Creation, Illustrations, Character Development, etc.
How to Choose a Video Game Design Program?
You have to keep some factors in mind when choosing a Video Game Design degree. The most important among them is the accreditation status of a particular program. Others include course contents, fee structure, research opportunities, available specializations, location of the campus, residence options (both on-campus and off-campus), career outlook, etc.
Video Game Design Admission Requirements
Different schools tend to have different entrance criteria in place. The requirements also vary based on the degree level. For instance, to join a Bachelor’s degree program (such as a BA in Game Design), you must have a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate.
Furthermore, the majority of colleges in the US require undergraduate applicants to take and pass the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing). In the same way, admission to a Master’s program might be dependent on how good your Bachelor’s GPA is. Scoring high enough on a standardized graduate admission test may also be needed.